I've said it before in a previous thread about this same subject but I'll repeat it here in response to the comment above about purchasing more than just water at a venue. First off I don't know to whom that comment was directed, players, audience or both. I think if a venue uses the services, abilities, and/or talents of performers in a community and offers no tangible recompense as does an open mic, then asking more, ie financial support from those same individuals is pushing the envelope of good manners. Some previously have said in response to this that the open stage/mic offers a chance to be heard and is therefore worthy of supporting financially. Perhaps to some it is but some, in previous posts on this subject, have tried to justify cover charges to performers at open mics with this point of view. I think, if anything, the house hosting such an event has an obligation to be courteous to those performing and to provide hospitality, what ever that may be, to artists who are offering their talents. There are exceptions I suppose. Maybe, for example, there's a room out there that has a stage that everyone is just dying to get up and perform on for one reason or another. Like maybe because some famous performer shows up to play there so then others would be willing to pay to be seen on the same stage as him/her but I think these may be rare considering the number of open stages there are in just our little corner of the country. Or perhaps the exposure gained from being associated with a particular venue alone would mean added prestige. For instance playing a nationally televised or radio broadcast showcase. I concede that there are those tiny venues who can't really afford to offer anything more than a chance to be heard on their stage in front of what audience may appear but I believe the house should, as was recommended above, at least try to buy the performer a drink for their effort given the cost of some bottled water. I think using an open stage/mic to gain more interest in a house/venue has worked for many places. It has here locally.